Former Massachusetts Gob. Mitt Romney beat former Sen. Rick Santorum by only eight votes Tuesday, with Rep. Ron Paul coming in at a close third. Romney and Santorum both secured 25% of the votes, anp Paul scored 21%. It is considered the narrowest margin of victory in a Republican presidential contest. Romney asserted his determination to focus his campaign on beating Obama, rather than Rick Santorum.
The campaign season has been marked by candidates rising and falling as potential contenders. Further back in the rankings were former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 13%, Texas Gov. Rick Perry with 10% and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann with 5%. The divided GOP set its sights on New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida as the caucus season continues.
